Monthly Archives: February 2015

I had always wondered why it was that when Adam and Eve ate the fruit and had their eyes opened that they suddenly desired to cover themselves. I mean, the only two people in the whole world and suddenly they felt modesty? While it may be that there was an element of modesty to their decision to sew fig leaves together, I would suggest that the primary intent was to hide themselves from God; almost as if to say: “If we cover ourselves with leaves and hide among the trees, he won’t see us.” They were trying to hide their shame. Could it be that clothing should be a reminder of our sin rather than a fashion statement?

Of course, the clothing that Adam and Eve choose for themselves was not sufficient. When God removed them from the Garden of Eden, he sent them not dressed in fig leaves but He clothed them in animal skins. Animal skins might appear to be a better choice because they would be warmer but I don’t think that is what God was getting at. In order for the skins to be obtained for Adam and Eve, an animal or two had to die. This means that blood had to be shed. It seems to me that God was making a statement: In order for us to be reconciled, blood will need to be shed. Years later, Christ’s blood was shed and the invitation to be reconciled with God was preached in the Gospel.

In the parable of the marriage feast, the end of the story shows this individual invited to the feast and then thrown out because he did not have on a wedding garment. Apparently, there was no excuse for not having one because in that culture, the robes were provided for the guests. The point of the parable is that many are invited and yet not everyone who is invited is deemed worthy. The guest who was thrown out was not unworthy to be invited but made himself unworthy when he would not dress in the garments provided.

We are also invited to the feast of the marriage of the lamb and the bride, known as the church. It should not be a surprise then when the Bible uses terminology such as putting Christ on as you would a garment.

Gal 3:26-27 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. (27) For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

God has provided the robe for us to wear, the clothing that will allow us to be reconciled with him but the only question is whether you will accept that invitation and be clothed in the clothing He provides.